The Nashik zilla parishad health department has deployed 42 medical officers, 80 health workers, six mobile health teams and six ambulances at Saptashrungi Gad as lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive for Navaratra from Sunday. The arrangements are intended to provide rapid treatment and emergency transport during the nine-day pilgrimage, when crowd density and health risks typically increase.
Health personnel have been stationed at important locations across the Gad to respond to dehydration, dizziness, exhaustion, gastroenteritis, fever and minor injuries. The six mobile units will operate across the pilgrimage area, while ambulances will be available to move critical patients to higher medical facilities when required, officials said.
The health department’s plan also includes disease-prevention measures. District health officials inspected water purification plants and checked drinking-water quality on October 9 ahead of the expected influx. Authorities have additionally initiated epidemic-control measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks during the festival.
The pilgrimage is expected to draw devotees from Maharashtra and neighbouring states, increasing pressure on local medical and civic systems around Saptashrungi Gad. Local bodies have been directed to ensure regular garbage collection, proper disposal of liquid waste, disinfection and maintenance of public toilets, according to the report.
The administration has also ordered intensified anti-mosquito fogging and other vector-control measures. These steps are aimed at limiting sanitation-related and mosquito-borne health risks in areas handling a large temporary population over a concentrated period.
Taluka health officer Dr Abhay Bangal will supervise the medical arrangements at the Gad. Pravin Bairagi, medical officer at the Nanduri primary health centre, has been assigned to coordinate healthcare teams on the ground. Officials said the deployment would allow first aid and emergency medical transit to be provided quickly during the festival period.
